I am interested in changing the oil from the old original Vandercook oil to new SAE-20 oil in my Universal 1 and my #4. My question is how to go about it. The #4 has little flip cups for the oil and the Universal is just screws. Do I drain them from the screws, do […]
MoreNew Printing History Website
The American Printing History Association is pleased to announce its new website. In addition to being a resource for APHA members, it features articles by experts and enthusiasts of interest to the printing history community at large. Visitors will find that it’s responsive to all devices. Yours truly is editor in chief and welcomes 300–500 word […]
MoreReprex No. 2 Questions
Hello – I have a few questions about my Reprex No. 2. I was hoping some other Reprex owners might be able to share some operational insight. Thanks in advance! In the Reprex PDF it is recommended to lubricate the following items: cam shaft, cams, and linkage in ink system lifting mechanism rider and form […]
MoreThe Lost Vandercook House Organ
Recently, I completed a fellowship at the Newberry Library in support of research for the second edition of my book Vandercook Presses: Maintenance, History and Resources (2011). While there, I spent most of my time perusing various trade journals including The Inland Printer, Photo-engravers Bulletin, Graphic Arts Monthly and British Printer, among others, spanning 1909–1976. As I sort out my findings, I […]
MoreSafety Catch for Advance Guillotine
Hello, I’ve recently acquired this Advance Guillotine & I’m wondering if there’s a place to get a device to lock the blade in place when not in use. I know I can chain the counter weight down, but it’d be great to have something less clunky. I’ve seen a couple of safely locks added to […]
MoreVandercook No. 4 for Sale [Sold]
Vandercook #4 Serial: 10535 Very fine condition. Heated storage for the last 35 years. Also, other letter press equipment for sale (Saw, Press, Miter, Ludlow). As well as misc. letter press equipment.
MoreWhen adjusting form rollers
When adjusting the height of inking rollers on a Universal I where in the bed of the press should the carriage be? And, should the press be in trip or print position?
MorePositive lock up bar vs. fixed dead bar
My 215 Positive Lockup Bar has suddenly taken to shifting easily during printing. Since this is a new trend, I’m thinking the bar needs attention, cleaning, adjustment, etc. Any advice on this? I would also like to have a fixed “dead bar” and I have a machine shop at UAFS (next door to our print […]
More232p Set Form Roller Unit Carriage Wear??
Hi Everyone! I’m in the middle of aligning the Set Form Rollers on this old 232p. Struggling somewhat…. But since I noticed something, I like to get some answers before going on: 1, 2, 3 are the roller unit carriage on the press. A, B1, and B2 are rollers from the Upper Ink Unit. […]
MoreMoving a Vandercook 4
Hello folks, Alright, I’ve hired a rigger to move my press out of its current location in Memphis & we’re trucking it down to New Orleans. Can anyone advise me on something I can build to move the press from the truck, down the ramp, into the door, and into the front room? If I […]
MoreNo. 4 MR-111 gear
Greetings all, I’m in the process of getting my No. 4 up and running, and have a question about the gears on the form roller assembly. My understanding is that the MR-111 gears are not supposed to rotate when at the feedboard, but the back one on my press does (and the one on the […]
MoreVandercook No.05 Large Format Proof Press For Sale
No. 05 Hand Galley Proof Press in excellent condition. Great large format printer includes inking assembly that can take a fairly large sheet: 14 3/4” x 28”. Perfect for the artistic minded printmaker. The carriage is a push operation with new rollers added in 2006. Great storage below the printer and work space above the […]
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